Gandhiji's Concept of Value-Based Living (An Old and Rare Book)

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Foreword Gandhiji's concept of value-based living is another valuable addition to the wealth and variety of Gandhian literature. It is a cryptic but meaningful essay on how deeply Gandhiji felt about basic values and principles to be consciously practised. Just as repetition of a mantra or a verse registers itself into memory, conscious practise of good conduct replaces the evil in man. Gandhiji, in his numerous essays, speeches, conversations and personal acts demonstrated the greatness of the consciously practised good qualities which would wipe out the evil in man. For him that was the real Sarvodaya in the human being.

Preface A value system is the basis on which our continued existence and social harmony stands. But what eludes our comprehension is the constant erosion of human values due to eruptions of baser animal instincts inherent in man's complex constitution. Every individual has to pay the price of exacting vigilance of one's own moral conduct. Every generation has to develop its own collective morality that can regulate and subdue all animal instincts violating human values in all aspects of life.

Introduction Why should a man do good to others? This question often arises in a mind which desires to be very logical. It is the same thing as to ask: "Why should a person obey the laws of nature?" Or, may be the same as to ask: "What does it matter whether I tell a lie or tell the truth?" There is a cynical saying that it matters very little if we flout every moral consideration as long as it pays good dividends in terms of material gain. The precept "Get on, get honour, and get honest" often seems to work in the short run. To that extent justice, honesty and goodness may get submerged and a non chalant ego may succeed in suppressing a person's conscience. But a troubled con science soon wakes up and asks: "Is it right?" This inner action and reaction is a permanent part of human nature. The laws of good life are those that conform to the universal and immutable moral order which establishes the harmony for which every person earnestly yearns but rarely achieves, being led astray by contradictory desires.